Winter Lights Festival

About

The Winter Lights Festival transforms Reykjavik into a magical wonderland of light installations, art exhibits, and cultural celebrations during the darkest time of year. This free, city-wide festival celebrates the gradual return of sunlight with interactive light displays, outdoor performances, and family-friendly events that turn the winter darkness into an enchanting experience. It's a unique opportunity for families to experience Icelandic culture while enjoying art installations designed to dazzle both children and adults.

What to Expect

Families can explore illuminated sculptures and interactive light installations throughout downtown Reykjavik and various public spaces, with many displays designed to be touched and experienced rather than just viewed. The festival features a mix of outdoor light art, indoor exhibitions, cultural performances, storytelling sessions, and workshops suitable for children. The atmosphere is festive yet relaxed, with locals and tourists bundling up to wander between installations, often stopping at cafes to warm up. Many venues offer special children's programming including art workshops, music performances, and hands-on creative activities tied to the light theme.

Highlights for Kids

• Interactive light installations that children can walk through, touch, and play with throughout downtown
• Museum Night with free admission to family-friendly museums offering special light-themed activities and extended hours
• Special illuminated pool nights at Reykjavik's geothermal swimming pools with colored lights and festive atmosphere
• Children's workshops where kids create their own light art, lanterns, or glow-in-the-dark crafts to take home
• Fire and light performances in public squares featuring dancers, musicians, and storytellers

Pro Tips for Families

1. Download the official festival program in advance to identify the most kid-friendly installations and activities, as events are spread across the city and planning your route saves time in the cold
2. Dress children in layers with waterproof outer clothing, warm hats, and insulated boots—Icelandic winter weather is unpredictable and you'll be outdoors frequently moving between installations
3. Many interactive installations are most magical in complete darkness (around 5-9 PM), but visiting during twilight hours (3-5 PM) offers easier navigation with younger children and smaller crowds
4. The Pool Night event (heated public pools open late with special lighting) is a festival highlight that kids absolutely love—bring swimsuits and towels for this uniquely Icelandic experience

Best Time to Visit

Visit between 4-7 PM to catch installations during the transition from twilight to darkness, which provides the most dramatic visual effects while still offering some natural light for navigating with children. Weekday evenings tend to be less crowded than weekends. If attending multiple days, plan indoor workshop activities for earlier in your visit and save outdoor light walks for when you've acclimated to the cold weather.

Food & Drinks

While the outdoor installations themselves don't have food vendors, downtown Reykjavik offers numerous family-friendly cafes and restaurants within walking distance of festival sites. Many bakeries and cafes stay open later during the festival and offer hot chocolate, traditional Icelandic pastries, and warm soups perfect for cold evenings. Consider packing thermoses with hot drinks and small snacks for children to enjoy between installations, as stopping to warm up frequently is essential. Several venues hosting indoor festival events have their own cafeterias with kid-friendly options.

Parking & Access

Downtown Reykjavik parking is limited and can be challenging during the festival; consider using public buses or taxis from your accommodation, as most installations are within walking distance of each other in the compact city center. Many streets are pedestrianized during events, making them stroller-friendly, though cobblestone areas and icy conditions can be challenging—baby carriers may be more practical than strollers. The Straeto bus system is affordable and family-friendly, with major festival venues accessible via multiple routes. If driving, the Kolaportið flea market parking area offers reasonably priced parking within walking distance of many installations.